Fluid overflow relief system

ABSTRACT

An overflow relief system for a bath tub having an adapter having a first end attached to a drain opening for receiving fluid from the drain opening and a second end remote from the first end for connecting to a drain pipe, the adapter defining an adapter body between the first end and the second end of the adapter and defining a hollow interior surrounded by a sidewall defining an adapter body opening, a unitary conduit integrally formed to the tub having a first open end connected to an overflow opening and a second open end connected to the adapter body opening, the conduit providing a fluid passageway from the overflow opening to the adapter, and wherein the adapter forms a passageway for fluid to flow from the drain opening to the drain pipe and from the second end of the conduit to the drain pipe.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Canadian Application No. 2,837,391, filed Dec. 19, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a system and apparatus for relieving fluid, preferably water, overflow conditions in bathtubs.

BACKGROUND

Water overflow prevention devices are universally used in bath tubs to prevent the overflow of water in the event the tub supply tap is left open while filling the bath. Without such a device, the tub would overflow resulting in potentially extensive and costly water damage to the area surrounding the tub.

Currently-used overflow systems typically comprise multiple pieces of pipe and fittings that connect an overflow intake with the tub drain. The pipe and fittings are typically connected together using material-appropriate glue or threaded hardware to produce the overflow system. In practice, the tub is installed during construction and the supply and drain lines are attached and tested for leaks. Afterwards, the various pipes and fittings are installed in place to produce the overflow system. However, by having the overflow system installed in this fashion, manual manipulation of the overflow pieces is required by the plumber and the multiple fittings introduces potential leak (failure) points as well as increasing installation costs.

Canadian patent application 2,248,822 teaches a bath tub water overflow system using a c-shaped trough that can be affixed to a bath tub to join an overflow inlet with a tub drain.

Canadian patent 2,109,081 teaches sink basin having a water overflow device comprising an integrated, multi-channeled conduit.

Canadian patent 2,171,383 teaches a bath tub water overflow system using a c-shaped trough joining the overflow inlet to the tub drain and adaptable to the shape of the tub wall and base.

Canadian patent 2,358,171 teaches removable bath tub system that can be installed in a shower to convert the shower to a bathtub and which possesses an overflow orifice connected to the tub drain via a channel.

Canadian patent 2,480,298 teaches a bath tub overflow assembly comprising multiple pieces that are assembled and attached after bath tub installation.

There remains a need for a bath tub overflow system that is efficient, durable and easy to install

SUMMARY

The present invention provides an overflow relief system for a bathtub. The bathtub has a drain opening and an overflow opening on a sidewall thereof. The system comprises a unitary conduit integrally formed to the bathtub and which connects to both the overflow opening and the drain opening. The conduit delivers water from the overflow opening to a drainpipe. Similarly water flows from the drain opening to the drainpipe. Preferably, both the tub and the conduit are coated by a protective coating.

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an overflow relief system comprising a tub having a base and a sidewall, the tub defining a drain opening formed in the base and an overflow opening formed in the sidewall; an adapter having a first end attached to the drain opening for receiving fluid from the drain opening and a second end remote from the first end for connection to a drain pipe, the adapter defining an adapter body between the first end and the second end of the adapter, the adapter body defining a hollow interior surrounded by a sidewall, the sidewall of the adapter defining an adapter body opening; a unitary conduit integrally formed to the tub, the conduit having a first open end connected to the overflow opening and a second open end connected to the adapter body opening, the conduit defining a fluid passageway from the overflow opening to the adapter; and wherein the adapter forms a passageway for fluid to flow from the drain opening to the drain pipe and for fluid to flow from the second end of the conduit to the drainpipe.

In another embodiment, the conduit can be fabricated from a single piece of material. In another embodiment, the conduit can comprise multiple pieces.

In another embodiment, there is provided a bath tub overflow relief system comprising a bath tub having a fiberglass base and a fiberglass side wall, the bath tub defining an drain opening in the base and an overflow opening formed in the sidewall, an adapter having a gasketed first end attached to the drain opening for receiving fluid from the drain opening and a threaded second end remote from the first end for connection to a drain pipe, the adapter defining an adapter body between the first end and the second end of the adapter, the adapter body defining an adapter body opening; an elbow shaped unitary conduit having a flattened oval shaped cross-section integrally formed to the tub side wall, the conduit having a gasketed first open end connected to the overflow opening and a second end integrally connected to the adapter body opening, the conduit defining a fluid passageway from the overflow opening to the adapter, wherein the adapter forms a passageway for fluid to flow from the drain opening to the drain pipe and for fluid to flow from the second end of the conduit to the drain pipe.

In yet another embodiment, there is provided a bath tub overflow relief system comprising a bath tub having a fiberglass base and a fiberglass side wall, the bath tub defining an drain opening in the base and a generally rectangular overflow opening formed on the sidewall, an adapter having a gasketed first end attached to the drain opening for receiving fluid from the drain opening and a second end remote from the first end for connection to a drain pipe, the adapter defining an adapter body between the first end and the second end of the adapter, the adapter body defining an adapter body opening, an elbow shaped conduit formed from a linear conduit piece and at least two elbow shaped fittings and having a flattened oval shaped cross-section integrally formed to the tub side wall, the conduit having a gasketed first open end connected to the overflow opening and a second end integrally connected to the adapter body opening, the conduit defining a fluid passageway from the overflow opening to the adapter, and wherein the adapter forms a passageway for fluid to flow from the drain opening to the drain pipe and for fluid to flow from the second end of the conduit to the drain pipe.

Further and other embodiments will become apparent to the skilled person.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary front view of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top view of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section side view of an alternate embodiment of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a component of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a component of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a component of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a component of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a component of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a component of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a component of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a gasket component of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a component of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a component of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a component of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a component of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a component of the overflow relief system of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a component of the overflow relief system of the present invention; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a component of the overflow relief system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the present invention provides fluid overflow relief system 1 for a tub. The fluid is preferably water. The fluid overflow relief system 1 comprises a tub 10 having base 12 and a sidewall 14. The tub defines a drain opening 13 formed in the tub base 12 and an overflow opening 15 formed in the tub sidewall 14. The tub 10 is preferably a bath tub commonly found in residential bathrooms. The tub can be made of materials known in the art. Preferably the tub is constructed from fiberglass.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, an adapter 20 has an adapter first end 22 attached to the drain opening 13 and an adapter second end 24 for attachment to a drain pipe (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the adapter second end 24 is threaded. The adapter 20 includes an adapter body sidewall 26. The adapter 20 defines a hollow interior 52 surrounded by the adapter body sidewall 26. The adapter 20 further defines an adapter body opening 28 formed in the sidewall 26. In a preferred embodiment, an adapter first end gasket 21 is located between the adapter first end 22 and the drain opening 13 to provide a watertight seal between the adapter first end 22 and the drain opening 13.

In an alternate embodiment, the second end of the adapter can be used to connect the adapter to a roughed in drain pipe for fluidly connecting the drain opening to the drain pipe. Preferably, the second end of the adapter can be adapted to fit a drain pipe having a size commonly used in the art. In this alternate embodiment, more preferably the second end the adapter comprises a threaded end to connect to a drain pipe using a threaded connector. In other embodiments, the drain opening is fitted with a strainer. In a certain embodiment the overflow opening is fitted with an overflow plate.

In another embodiment, the adapter first end gasket 21 exists proximate the adapter first end 22 to ensure a watertight seal with the drain opening.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, a unitary conduit 30 has a first open end 32 attached to the overflow opening 15 in the tub sidewall 14 and a second open end 34 attached to the adapter body opening 28, providing a fluid passageway between the overflow opening 15 and the adapter 20. The unitary conduit 30 is integrally formed to the tub 10. In a preferred embodiment, the conduit second end 34 and the adapter body opening 28 are integrally formed. This provides for a watertight connection between the adapter and the conduit and increases the strength and rigidity of the overflow relief system. In another embodiment, a first open end gasket 31 is located between the first open end 32 and the overflow opening 15 to provide a watertight seal between the first open end 32 and the overflow opening 15. Preferably the conduit 30 has a conduit elbow 35 to allow the conduit 30 to follow the contour of the tub sidewall 14 and tub base 12. Preferably the conduit elbow 35 is corrugated. Preferably, the conduit 30 has a generally flattened oval cross-section.

With reference to FIG. 4, in an alternate embodiment, the unitary conduit 30 can be substantially elbow shaped which allows the conduit 30 to follow the contour of the tub base 12 and sidewall 14. In this context, the term “substantially elbow shaped” means L-shaped wherein the angle between the two arms of the L is greater than about 90°. The elbow can be corrugated to impart further strength to the conduit 30.

With reference to FIGS. 5 to 12, in another alternate embodiment, the unitary conduit 30 can comprise an additional fitting member. The fitting member can be any one of the fitting members 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, 33E or 33F, shown in FIGS. 6 to 11, respectively, with fitting 39 as shown in FIG. 12 to achieve the substantially elbow shape. Preferably these fittings are connected using glue or adhesive.

In another embodiment, the conduit 30 can have a substantially oval cross-section. In this context, the term “substantially oval cross-section” means the shape is oval or elliptical and not circular. The conduit can be made from a polymer, preferably a polymer commonly used in the art.

To further enhance the strength and durability of the water overflow relief system of the present invention, the unitary conduit 30 and the bathtub 10 are preferably coated with a coating 40. Preferably the coating is a fiberglass resin coating. More preferably the coating is continuous over the conduit and tub sidewall. The coating adds strength and durability to the overflow system.

With reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 14, 15 and 20, in an alternate embodiment, the first open end 32 has a rectangular attachment 36 as shown in FIG. 14 and a rectangular frame 36A as shown in FIG. 20 attached to the rectangular overflow opening 16 in the tub sidewall 14. A decorative rectangular cap 37 as shown in FIG. 15 covers the rectangular overflow opening 16. The conduit 30 has a second open end 38 attached to fittings 33A and 39 and the adapter body opening 28, providing a fluid passageway between the overflow opening 16 and the adapter 20. The conduit 30 is integrally formed to the tub 10. In another embodiment, the conduit second end 38, fittings 33A and 39 and the adapter body opening 28 are connected with adhesive. This provides for a watertight connection between the adapter 20 and the conduit and increases the strength and rigidity of the overflow relief system. In another preferred embodiment, a first open end gasket 31 is located between the first open end 32 and the overflow opening 16 to provide a watertight seal between the first open end 32 and the overflow opening 16. Preferably, the conduit 30 and fittings 33A and 39 have a generally flattened oval cross-section.

With reference to FIG. 17 a metal strainer 44 is positioned in the drain opening 13 to prevent excess hair, objects or the like from entering the adapter 20.

In operation, the drain opening 13 is stoppered by a plug to allow water to enter and fill the tub 10. Once the water level reaches the overflow opening 15, water begins flowing into the overflow opening. Water then enters the conduit 30 through the first open end 32. The water travels the length of the unitary conduit 30 to the second end 34 of the conduit 30. Since the second end of 34 of the conduit 30 is connected to the adapter body opening 28, water flows through the adapter body opening 28 and into the hollow interior of the adapter 20. The water continues to flow through the adapter to the second end 24 of the adapter. The water then flows into the connected drainpipe.

In operation of an alternate embodiment, the drain opening 13 is stoppered by a plug to allow water to enter and fill the tub. Once the water level reaches the rectangular overflow opening 16, water begins flowing into the overflow opening. Water then enters the conduit 30 through the first open end 32. The water travels the length of the conduit 30 to the conduit second open end 38, through fittings 33A and 39 to the adaptor body opening 28. Water then flows through the adapter body opening 28 and into the hollow interior 52 of the adapter 20. The water continues to flow through the adapter to the second end 24 of the adapter. The water then flows into the connected drainpipe.

Removal of the plug from the drain opening 13 allows water to flow through the drain opening 13. Water then flows from the drain opening into the hollow interior of the adapter 20. The water continues to flow through the adapter to the second end 24 of the adapter. The water then flows into the connected drainpipe. Where water is contemporaneously flowing from the overflow opening 15 or the rectangular overflow opening 16 through the conduit 30, water from the drain opening 13 and from the overflow opening 15 or the rectangular overflow opening 16 will mix in the hollow interior 52 of the adapter 20. Through this operation, the water in tub 10 does not overflow the tub and cause water damage to the area surrounding the tub.

The construction of the system as a unitary apparatus comprising a bathtub and an overflow relief conduit provides an efficient system. The fiberglass protective layer covering the bathtub and the conduit helps to avoid damage to the system during transport.

The scope of the claims should not be limited to by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An overflow relief system comprising: a tub having a base and a sidewall, said tub defining a drain opening formed in said base and an overflow opening formed in said sidewall; an adapter having a first end attached to the drain opening for receiving fluid from said drain opening and a second end remote from said first end for connection to a drain pipe, said adapter defining an adapter body between said first end and said second end of said adapter, the adapter body defining a hollow interior surrounded by a sidewall, the sidewall of the adapter body defining an adapter body opening; and a unitary conduit integrally formed to said tub, said conduit having a first open end connected to said overflow opening and a second open end connected to said adapter body opening, said conduit defining a fluid passageway from said overflow opening to said adapter; wherein said adapter forms a passageway for fluid to flow from said drain opening to said drain pipe and for fluid to flow from said second end of said conduit to said drain pipe.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the second end of the adapter fluidly connects the drain opening with the drain pipe.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the second end is threaded.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the adapter body opening is integrally formed with the second end of the conduit.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the conduit is substantially elbow shaped.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the conduit has a substantially oval cross-section.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the connection between the first open end and the overflow opening is gasketed.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the connection between the first end and the drain opening is gasketed.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the integrally formed conduit and tub are coated with a protective coating.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein the protective coating comprises a fiberglass resin.
 11. A bath tub overflow relief system comprising: a bath tub having a fiberglass base and a fiberglass side wall, said bath tub defining an drain opening in said base and an overflow opening formed on said sidewall; an adapter having a gasketed first end attached to the drain opening for receiving fluid from said drain opening and a second end remote from said first end for connection to a drain pipe, said second end including a threaded drain pipe connector, said adapter defining an adapter body between said first end and said second end of the adapter, said adapter body defining an adapter body opening; and a corrugated elbow shaped unitary conduit having a flattened oval shaped cross-section integrally formed to said tub side wall, said conduit having a gasketed first open end connected to said overflow opening and a second end integrally connected to said adapter body opening, said conduit defining a fluid passageway from said overflow opening to said adapter, wherein said adapter forms a passageway for fluid to flow from said drain opening to said drain pipe and for fluid to flow from said second end of the conduit to said drain pipe.
 12. A bath tub overflow system comprising: a bath tub overflow relief system comprising a bath tub having a fiberglass base and a fiberglass side wall, said bath tub defining an drain opening in said base and a generally rectangular overflow opening formed on said sidewall; an adapter having a gasketed first end attached to the drain opening for receiving fluid from said drain opening and a second end remote from the first end for connection to a drain pipe, said adapter defining an adapter body between said first end and said second end of said adapter, said adapter body defining an adapter body opening; and an elbow shaped conduit formed from a linear conduit piece and at least two elbow shaped fittings and having a flattened oval shaped cross-section integrally formed to said tub side wall, said conduit having a gasketed first open end connected to said overflow opening and a second end integrally connected to said adapter body opening, said conduit defining a fluid passageway from said overflow opening to said adapter, wherein said adapter forms a passageway for fluid to flow from said drain opening to said drain pipe and for fluid to flow from said second end of said conduit to said drain pipe. 